Economic dispatch of microgrids

Abstract

The concept of MicroGrid (MG) has been proposed as a way to solve several problems associated with the integration of small generators in distribution feeders. The ability of MG operates either connected to the main grid or as an island, without the need of a fast and sophisticated central control, allows exploring in large scale, the use of the renewable and non-renewable electricity generating technologies in the local consumption. However, new solutions are required to become MicroGrids technically secure and reliable as well as economically attractive. This work presents the results of economic dispatch applied to MGs operating as an island and connected to the grid. The optimization algorithm was developed and implemented in Matlab®. The profits obtained when MicroGrid operates in Optimal Power Flow (OPF) allow assessing the degree of complexity that the Local Supervisory Controller can achieve without compromising the economic viability of MicroGrid. The controller performance is evaluated by using power flow for various combinations of generation and load.